Comics: Tarantadong Kalbo ~ Volume 2

Illustration and Story by: Kevin Eric Raymundo

Komiket Inc.

(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Nagkagulo sa bakuna, nag-agawan ng itlog, nagkanaw ng dalgona, nagmahalan ang mga baboy, naghabulan ng jetski, nagtulungan sa mga pantry, at tumindig para sa bayan. Ito ang koleksyon ng mga komiks ni Tarantadong Kalbo sa unang parte ng 2021, ang sequel sa pinakamasagwang taon nating lahat."

The Good:

An update of the current sociopolitical events of the Philippines is presented in this 2nd book of Tarantadong Kalbo. Government response against the COVID-19 pandemic are best illustrated in the strips Distancing, 'La Pa, Variant, and Dance Shield Revolution. Even the public's perception of living with this virus are potrayed in Quick Group Pic and Conyo Mask [with Conyo Wings].

Trese's adaptation as a Netflix series was celebrated in several strips here such as Represent and Santelmo and Outta Nowhere.

The best editorial cartoons in this compilation is Saglit. This four panel strip will really knock at your heart.

The Bad:

This only captures half of the events that occurred in the year 2021. A 2nd book of 2021 compilation is expected to appear in the 3rd volume.

The Verdict:

Tarantadong Kalbo's comic strips show the Filipino life through the usage of 90s pop culture references to depict the drama in our everyday local politics.

An addition of quick news bites through Balitangero was amazing. On the other hand, Inuman Sessions: Historical Distortion provides us an educational material that discusses historical distortion and historical revisionism.

Tarantadong Kalbo Volume 2's best and most tearjerker work so far is the four panel Saglit that reflects the pandemic situation of the Philippines during the COVID-19 Delta Variant surge.

He can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Tarantadong Kalbo

Twitter: @KevinKalbo

 

Comics: Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise ~ Episode 2: Celebration

Illustration and Story by: Tsambolero (Raphael Unta)

(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Good:

The artist really did a great job illustrating the different emotions on his two main characters.

The Bad:

Still this is only 4 panels long.

The Verdict:

A romantic candle light dinner fills the mood of the two lovers. Tsambolero's art are really great to look at. I just hope he draws a longer story in his next episodes.

Just be mindful of what you are eating if it is allergic to your partner. You don't want to kill the love of your life.

He can be seen at:

Twitter: @Tsambolero

More of Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise can be seen at:

Penlab: "Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise"

Comics: The Adventures of Apocalypse Al ~ Issue 2

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Sid Kotian

Color by: Bill Farmer

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover A by Sid Kotian and Bill Farmer)

The Plot:

Aided by Ultimate Darkness, Al continues her search for Francis Walther, the guy who currently have the book of keys. Her search brings her to the cyberworld. As Ronnie says it, the cyberspace is a place where the supernatural world and the world of the internet mix. Who knew that the internet could be a gateway to the paranormal world.

The Good:

This 2nd part of the 4 part miniseries is definitely a nice read. Injecting the internet to be a gateway to some paranormal world is a nice move. This is the first time that I had seen this idea be used in a comic book.

The 4 page preview of Dream Police at the end was a nice closing for this issue.

The Bad:

We are still left hanging as to why imps suddenly appeared and chased Al down the road.

The Verdict:

This is an enjoyable 2nd issue from Apocalypse Al. However, I might not recommend it that much. Personally, it just felt to be an average type of story. This issue had fallen short for my enthusiasm for this series.

"I love L.A. Beverly Hills on one side, demonic creatures on the other. Sometimes it's hard telling the two apart." - Allison "Al" Carter

More of Apocalypse Al can be seen at:

Joe's Comics: http://www.studiojms.com

Image Comics, Inc.: http://www.imagecomics.com

Comics: Feed ~ No. 2

Story by: Vince Torres

Illustrations by: Sid Santos

Letterer: Geonard Yleana

Rated: For Mature Readers

Pelikomiks Studios
(5/5 ★★★★★)

"It's the second year of famine.

The metropolis continues to starve.

You are hungry for justice.

You are hungry for revenge.

But most of the time, you're just hungry.

Will you join the gangs of flesh-eaters roaming the dark eskinitas?

Or will you sign up for the Anti-Cannibalism Division for better rations?

Your call.

Just make up your mind before you end up as lunch.

This is the world of FEED.

Dig in."

The Plot:

The Central's Plainclothes Unit is still searching for Tom, said to be responsible for the disappearances of several children. They do their search while carrying out Emergency Ordinance 028 as part of their mandate of being on ACD (Anti-Cannibalism Division).

The Good:

The second issue of Feed takes us on the darker scenery of a world enveloped by famine. The way Feed was made is like you're watching an episode of the walking dead. Imagine that intro scene until the very end credits of each episode. That's what these guys give to you. The comic was made in such a way that Pelikomiks Studios really stood up for what they aim to do in telling their stories in their comics.

The Bad:

I just wished more comic stores would be selling this local title. This should really be in the hands of more people.

The Verdict:

The second issue of Feed takes us deeper to the darker possibilities of the effects of massive famine. Corporal Pena shows this by being part of ACD. A child he has just rescued from a group of cannibals had sadly killed his own father in order to settle down the growing hunger within him. Corporal Pena has been left to enforce the law and executes the child on the spot as stated in Emergency Ordinance 028.

Feed takes us to a journey that could be a scary reality bound to happen. As El Niño continues to surge the Philippines, one could only hope that Feed will remain as a story in a comic that was greatly told by its creators from Pelikomiks Studios.

"The truly innocent are long dead. Anyone who has managed to survive two years of famine is guilty of something." - Omar

More of Feed can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Zombinoy"

Comics: The Woods ~ Issue 2

Story by: James Tynion IV

Illustrated by: Michael Dialynas

BOOM! Studios
(5/5 ★★★★★)

(Cover A by Ramon K. Perez)

The Plot:

Previously, the whole Bay Point Preparatory High School was abducted into an unfamiliar planet in a solar system not resident of Earth.

In this issue, it continues to explore the mystery of the planet as familiar earthly problems arise for the Bay Point Preparatory High School Community. This issue ends with Adrian's group, which has been venturing off deep into the woods, encountering a big four red eyed green alien monster.

The Good:

An alien monkey is nicely added to Adrian's group as they dwell deeper into the woods. It instantly becomes attached to Isaac after feeding it with beef jerky. This little alien monster is one cute but scary pet to have around.

The Bad:

Nothing much is revealed in this issue regarding to where they are and what is the reason for their abduction.

The Verdict:

This issue does not reveal much to what we had already known from the previous one. Despite that, the plot is still interesting enough to get you coming back for the third issue. The craziness in this alien abduction themed story can still keep you wanting to know more.

"Can't live in a crazy forest that's trying to kill you without a top-of-the-line stabbing stick." - Calder Macready

More of BOOM! Studios can be seen at:

http://www.boom-studios.com

Comics: Afterlife with Archie ~ Issue 2 (Cover Review)

Cover A: Francesco Francavilla

Cover B (Variant): Tim Seeley

Cover C (2nd Printing Variant): Francesco Francavilla

(Cover A, B and C)

Story by: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Illustrated by: Francesco Francavilla

Rated: Teen+, Violence and Mature Content

Archie Comics

Yes I'm a fan of this series that's why I decided to collect the different variants of every singles of Afterlife with Archie. As long as they are not more than $10 or Php. 500 for each variant cover. The first two covers for Afterlife with Archie #2 were sold last November 20, 2013. The 2nd printing was released shortly on January 1, 2014.

The covers made by Francavilla, cover A and C, were nice. Interestingly they both have Jughead say EEAARRCHIEE!

The variant cover, cover B, made by Seeley is the best one for this issue. It shows a chest view of Archie in which most of the colors were just plainly gray scale colors with splatters of orange-colored blood in some areas.

If you are keen on following this series but without any interest in collecting all the different variants, I suggest that the variant cover made by Seeley, cover B, is the best choice to have as a single. It just gives a more silent thought on the story for this issue. I guess I may prefer it that way unless they make another variant cover in which the scene that involves an apple is the one drawn.

"This Is How The End Of The World Begins..."

More of Afterlife with Archie can be seen at:

www.afterlifewitharchie.com

Comics: Afterlife with Archie ~ Issue 2: Dance of the Dead

Story by: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Illustrated by: Francesco Francavilla

Rated: Teen+, Violence and Mature Content

Archie Comics
(5/5 ★★★★★)

(Cover A by Francesco Francavilla)

"This Is How The End Of The World Begins..,

Turn out the lights, the party's over.

The zombie outbreak has reached the halls of

Riverdale High and the bodies are beginning

to pile up.. Can Archie, Betty & Veronica

escape the carnage and find a safe haven to

make humanity's last stand or will they,

too, join the ranks of the undead as

a truly eternal love triangle?"

Jughead down and a lot more to go. The previous issue was a fast and well packed story in the sense that the bestfriend of the leading character in a story is the first to turn into a zombie. Normally, in the routine way of story telling, that does not happen at the very start of the story. But it works perfectly in this comics.

In this 2nd issue, two perspectives of the zombie apocalypse in Riverdale are told. One takes place in Pop Tate's Diner, where Mr. Jones infect that area. On the other hand, the main event happens during the Halloween Party at Riverdale High. Another one from Archie's friends dies in this issue which was beautifully illustrated by the artist. After the death of that character "twice", chaos soon followed at the gym which lead to the search for a safety at the Lodge Mansion by the remaining group from Archie.

"I'm done playing Brokeback Riverdale with you." - Ginger

This is another good zombie apocalypse meets "a famous set of story" that is well crafted by the writer and the artist. Especially for the artist in creating the page that re-enacts Snow White's death with the scene only showing the apple rolling off her hands. What's more fun and enjoyable in this series is that there is an additional short story at the end which they called "From the Vault: Chilling Adventures In Sorcery." This was said to be formerly published under the title "Chilling Adventures In Sorcery." These short stories will be included starting with this issue and later on for the upcoming issues of Afterlife with Archie.

From The Vault: Chilling Adventures In Sorcery ~ Cat

Illustrated and Story by: Gray Morrow

The story was just okay. Although it would be recommended that this part to be read only if you are looking for something to do. Well this short story is just an add on for the Afterlife with Archie comic anyway.

Needless to say, this comic, Afterlife with Archie, is highly recommended due to the great story told by Aguirre-Sacasa and illustrations that were drawn remarkably by Francavilla. One can't just wait to find out who is still left alive by the time Sabrina is back in the story.

More of Afterlife with Archie can be seen at:

www.afterlifewitharchie.com

Comics: Purifying Element ~ Issue 2: Dark Lady 2

Illustration and Story by: Jake Vicente

Rated: OT / Older Teens Ages 16 +

Ink Jinks Comics
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

"The aswang dark lady still roams the street.

Preying on street children to feed on.

It's now up to Sean Razor and Kevin Wolf to hunt down this creature and end it's feast."

The story continues after the death of Al due to an aswang. This leaves his brother, Jeff, saved from nearly being killed.

Sean and Kevin finishes off the aswang that has been feeding upon the citizens of the town. In this issue, the writer had placed an interesting twist regarding the identity of the aswang. The story ends with the creature being killed. Sean and Kevin, then moves on to a new town after receiving a call that entails the need for them.

This has been a nice conclusion to the Dark Lady episode of Purifying Element, well that's what I think. The art is quite fine, but the most striking thing in this comic is the surprising twist in the identity of the aswang. It's a surprise as to how it has shielded itself from being suspected as an aswang. The creator of this comic is good in coming up with this kind of twists and this story is just one of those from Ink Jinks that are quite noticeable.

More of the creator's works can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Estranger"

www.tyrfryt.deviantart.com

More of Ink Jinks Comics can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Ink Jinks Comics"

Twitter: @inkjinks

www.inkjinks.deviantart.com

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Issue 2 (Cover Review)

Cover A: Ben Templesmith

Cover B: Bill Sienkiewicz

(Cover A on the left, Cover B on the right)

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Ben Templesmith

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics

I finally got the other cover for the 2nd issue of Ten Grand. For the 2nd issue, the two different covers were made by Ben Templesmith and Bill Sienkiewicz. The first cover that I was able to purchase was Cover B, which I had used to make the review for the 2nd issue of this comic. It took several weeks before I finally stumbled upon Cover A.

I'll first go over to the 1st cover. In here, the art looks to have been made mostly by pencil. In here, it showed the scene wherein Joe dies and has been given that precious 5 minutes with his love one, Laura. The artist has indeed managed to capture that scene depicting that precious moment, which is a nice event from this issue to be used as the cover. The only downside for me with this cover is the same concerns that I had with the irregular proportions that the artist did to Laura, which I also mentioned on the review of the 1st issue of this comic. It seems strange for me to see Laura, as drawn by Templesmith, to have large hands, which in this case is seen thru the large right hand. I guess it would have been a bit better if the hands were smaller in size. Just the right size or should I say the norm for a woman at the very least, since that is what I had been picturing since it was said over and over in the 1st issue that Laura was really beautiful.

On the other hand, Cover B's art appears to have been made thru the use of watercolors. In here, the scene is a combination of the three characters of the story. It is composed of the angel, whom Joe simply calls as Angel; Laura who appears to be in heaven; and Joe in which he is seen to be holding a gun.

In comparison among the two, I'd say that I prefer cover A more than cover B. It is because of the scene that it highlights for this issue of the comic. It shows the very root of the story despite a plot which involves angels and demons. It shows the unending and undying love of Joe to Laura, in which it is to be regarded literally in this story.

"Love is the only thing worth dying for. I should know. I've done it plenty of times." - Joe Fitzgerald

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:

Joe's Comics: www.studiojms.com

Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Issue 2: Angels Never Lie

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Ben Templesmith

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(5/5 ★★★★★)

(Cover B by Bill Sienkiewicz)

"Never enough time. It's never enough time. Was there enough time?" - Joe Fitzgerald

The previous issue ended with Joe Fitzgerald's new assignment which focuses on Debbie's sister that had gone missing after her involvement with a cult named Divine Will. It involved a guy Joe had thought was dead, because he himself killed him. This very same guy was also involved into causing the death of Laura, Joe's wife.

This current issue continues the story with Joe looking up into Divine Will himself and discovering that the current case he is working on might be connected to Laura's death. There are some scenes in which the reader would be reminded of the movie Constantine. This is due to Joe's usage of gold bullets in order to kill a demon, wherein this was also evident in the said movie. In this issue, Joe once again dies thus giving him his five minutes with Laura before he is brought back to life. This is due to a deal he had with an angel just moments after he and Laura died. The angel said that he could have five minutes with Laura every time he dies due to a righteous cause only if he would approve to be brought back to life and be their tool.  This second issue of Ten Grand concluded with the story getting more intense as the stability of the gates of heaven are tested. Questions regarding as to where Laura's current location is even raised. It was questioned if she really is in heaven or she is just made to believe she is in it.

The art continues to be astounding and some of the funny and misproprotioned body parts of a normal human being that I noticed in the previous issue was no longer included here. The collaboration of Straczynski and Templesmith in creating Ten Grand was awesome. They continue to give light to the grey areas that we know regarding angels and demons. This series is one you should not miss out reading.

"Love is the only thing worth dying for. I should know. I've done it plenty of times." - Joe Fitzgerald

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:

Joe's Comics: www.studiojms.com

Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com

Comics: Horror Asylum ~ Issue 2: Black Magic Woman

Illustration and Story by: Jake Vicente

Ink Jinks Comics
(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

"A married couple have been happily living near the woods for three years. Until the husband shoot his wife in head. For what reason did he murder his wife for and how will this story end."

Black Magic Woman is the second issue of the Horror Asylum series. The story was good enough. But I'd say the first issue was still better. The art from this 20 page story was also good. The creator had gotten good at drawing characters at a certain angle which I find it better compared from the first issue. However, there are still some parts that needs minor improvement such as in drawing the body of the character. Nonetheless, the art was nice. Overall, the second issue was a bit okay but I would say that I liked the first issue over this one better. But still, I'm going to wait and see for the third issue. Who knows, it might give us an eerie twist like the first issue.

Note: Some of the images were taken from the net, while the others were just a photo from my copy since I couldn't find them uploaded on the internet.

He can be seen at:

www.tyrfryt.deviantart.com

The group can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "inkjinks"

www.inkjinks.deviantart.com